The Boston Red Sox appear to be on the verge of signing both John Smoltz and Rocco Baldelli to one year deals with a heavy emphasis on performance incentives.
Smoltz and the Sox have reportedly agreed to a one year deal for the veteran pitcher who is coming off shoulder surgery last June. The deal will pay the long time Brave a guaranteed $5.5 million and include incentives that could be worth up to $5 million more. Smoltz had said that he'd like to finish his career in Atlanta, the only team he's played for in his 21 year major league career, but after getting only 5 starts for his $14 million salary last year, the Braves were apparently a bit gun shy. Atlanta was unwilling to offer anything more than $3 million guaranteed and had made it known that they were prepared to let Smotlz sign elsewhere.
The Sox were also reportedly ready to give an incentive-laden one year deal to outfielder Rocco Baldelli. Baldelli, who spent 5 seasons with the AL Champion Tampa Bay Rays is attempting to mount a comeback after suffering from a bizzare disease that left him extremely fatigued and largely unable to perform. However, reports recently suggested that he may have been misdiagnosed and that he may well be able to continue his career. He'd certainly add depth and speed to the Red Sox outfield if he can manage to stay healthy.
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